Switchback Halldor Pro 2017-2018 Snowboard Bindings Review

Share

Switchback bindings continue to be the brand of choice for the brothers Helgason, both of whom have their own pro model. No prizes for guessing who the Switchback Halldor Pro is made for, or where its strengths lie.

“Halldor still favours the ‘wrapback’, a winged highback that partially wraps around your calf muscle”

Halldor Helgason still favours the ‘wrapback’, a winged highback that partially wraps around your calf muscle on the outside of each leg. If you’ve been having trouble holding a nosepress for the full length of a box or rail, this will give you a little extra support that could make all the difference.

Not sure if that’s your bag, though? No problem – as with any Switchbacks, you can swap out the highback for a more conventional one. You can then revert to the winged version when you’re feeling like a park session, or even forego the ‘back entirely and have a surfier shred in the pow. The process is entirely tool-free, and couldn’t be simpler.

All the other bits and pieces of a Switchback binding can be changed, but the Eames straps that the Halldor Pro comes with have been designed to eliminate pressure points, so you won’t be in any rush to get rid of them.

So far, so Switchback – what about new developments? Well, the baseplate is massively different to previous models; the AERON is the product of three years’ graft, and is a lighter, more powerful binding thanks to the use of forged aluminium.

“Whether it’s the position of your ankle strap or the angle of your forward lean, you can fine-tune this binder to your exact specifications”

As well as the options to change parts entirely, the Switchback Halldor Pro has all the customisation you could ask for. Whether it’s the position of your ankle strap or the angle of your forward lean, you can fine-tune this binder to your exact specifications – and if you get new boots, tweaking the Halldor Pro to fit them is quick and easy.

Obviously you should have freestyle in mind if you’re going to make the most out of this, and its relative stiffness means that bigger tricks might be called for. If you’ve got the gusto, the Switchback Halldor Pro could unlock your inner Icelander.

The black-and-white design will go with just about any stick, but for maximum matching points you can grab the Lobster Halldor Pro snowboard too.

Tester’s Verdict

“The first thing I noticed about Halldor’s pro model Switchbacks is how they really surround your foot – from toe to heel to lower leg, thanks to the wrap-back highback – giving you a real locked-in feel. This translates into rad response.

“Despite the bumpy late season slush, my feet didn’t get the sad face”

This year Switchback have supercharged their baseplates, and you could really feel the power transfer carving from toes to heels. They were also super comfy, with the straps not once giving me any hint of any pressure points. Despite the bumpy late season slush my feet didn’t get the sad face, no doubt something to do with the footbed dampening out vibrations.

It goes without saying that these are easy to adjust, and good for everything from Halldor’s excellent riding to my own mediocre variety.”

Trade Secrets

Halldor Helgason – Team Rider, Switchback

I’m so damn pumped on my updated Switchback bindings!

The graphics, the wing highback, they’re lighter, you can adjust the sizes, don’t have to take the bindings off the board to swap toe straps.

Newsletter Terms & Conditions

Please enter your email so we can keep you updated with news, features and the latest offers. If you are not interested you can unsubscribe at any time. We will never sell your data and you'll only get messages from us and our partners whose products and services we think you'll enjoy.